Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for acquiring ultrasound measurements representing biosignals from a subject located in the strong magnetic field of a spatial imaging device. The invention includes ultrasound probes having minimal magnetic parts and an ultrasound signal pre-amplifier being shielded by a barrier or barriers from the strong magnetic field of a spatial imaging device such as an MRI, PET, or CT scanner. Most preferably, the ultrasound probe produces ultrasound waves in the frequency range of approximately 2.0 MHz to 2.5 MHz. The ultrasound probe may include no electronic components and contains minimal magnetic or ferromagnetic parts. The elements for acquiring and analysing ultrasound waves may be located in separate rooms from the imaging device. The invention provides a method of taking ultrasound measurements in quick succession with measurements of a spatial imaging device to provide a more informative understanding of the physiology of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasound probe for use especially in medical diagnostics using ultrasonography. Said probe comprises an ultrasound sensor configured to generate an ultrasound send signal as a reaction to an electrical impulse and to receiving a receive signal reflected on an observation medium. Said ultrasound sensor is held in a supporting device and fitted with coupling and transmission devices for sending the transmission signal into the observation medium. Said transmission signal is a multifrequency signal comprising at least two individual signals which are separate from each other in the frequency range. Said probe also comprises means to evaluate the reflected receive signal in relation to the individual signals. The ultrasound sensor has a single crystal for generating signals, which crystal is simultaneously and in a synchronized manner impinged upon by the multifrequency signal with several carrier frequencies in the proximity of its resonance frequency.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for viewing vessels, in particular blood vessels, in body cavities and hollow organs, comprising an ultrasonic transducer (14) which can be guided into a viewing position by means of an endoscopy device (10, 12), an ultrasonic unit (34) which can be connected to the ultrasonic transducer (14) and which is based on the Doppler principle and which is designed to detect an organ and/or fluid movement at at least one predetermined spacing from the ultrasonic transducer, a Doppler evaluation unit (38) which is connected downstream of the ultrasonic unit (34) and which is designed for digital conversion of an output signal of the ultrasonic unit (34) into a visual representation of the organ and/or fluid movement at the at least one predetermined spacing, and a video output unit (40) which receives an output image signal of the Doppler evaluation unit (38) and an electronic image signal of the endoscopy device (12) and which is designed to produce a combined overall image (24) fo